History was made Tuesday, October 6, 2026, as the White County Central Bears boys golf team captured the school’s first state championship, winning the Arkansas 2A Boys Golf State Championship at Diamondhead Golf Course near Hot Springs.
The Bears delivered a championship performance, shooting a team score of 253 to defeat 2nd-place Cedar Ridge by 6 strokes.
The historic victory marks a major milestone for White County Central School District and its athletic program.
After an outstanding season that included a district championship, the Bears finished the year on top of Arkansas 2A boys golf.
FOUR BEARS LEAD WHITE COUNTY CENTRAL TO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
The championship team featured 4 golfers who represented White County Central at the state tournament.
The Bears’ championship lineup included:
– Lucas Reynolds — Senior
– Luke Harrah — Senior
– Jack Kersey
– Mason Landis
Seniors Lucas Reynolds and Luke Harrah helped lead the Bears throughout the season and during the state championship competition.
Jack Kersey and Mason Landis rounded out the 4-player team that secured the historic victory.
Together, the 4 golfers delivered the performance needed to bring home the school’s first state title.
WHITE COUNTY CENTRAL WINS BY 6 STROKES
The Bears finished with a team score of 253, holding off Cedar Ridge to capture the 2A championship.
FINAL TEAM RESULTS:
1st Place — White County Central Bears
Team Score: 253
2026 Arkansas 2A State Champions
2nd Place — Cedar Ridge
Team Score: 259
6 strokes behind White County Central
The narrow margin made every stroke important as the Bears battled for the championship.
When the final scores were recorded, White County Central had earned its place in school history.
SUPERINTENDENT PHARIS SMITH PRAISES PLAYERS AND COACHES
White County Central Superintendent Pharis Smith expressed his pride in the players and coaching staff following the historic championship.
Smith credited coaches Zach Kersey and Tristen Kersey, along with the entire White County Central boys golf team, for their dedication and outstanding season.
He said the student-athletes had played exceptionally well throughout the year and showed they were capable of competing for a state championship.
Smith recalled a conversation following the Bears’ district championship victory at River Oaks Golf Course in Searcy.
After winning the district title, Coach Zach Kersey told Smith and Athletic Director Michael Strother that the Bears had a good chance of winning the state championship.
That prediction became reality Tuesday when the Bears captured the Arkansas 2A boys golf title.
FROM RIVER OAKS DISTRICT CHAMPIONS TO STATE CHAMPIONS
The Bears’ journey to the state championship included an impressive performance at their home course, River Oaks Golf Course.
White County Central captured the district championship at River Oaks, giving the team confidence heading into the state tournament.
With the district title secured, the Bears turned their attention to the biggest challenge of the season.
The state tournament at Diamondhead brought together top 2A golf teams from across Arkansas.
White County Central responded with a team score of 253 and a championship-winning performance.
The Bears completed their season as both district champions and state champions.
A HISTORIC FIRST FOR WHITE COUNTY CENTRAL
The victory represents more than a successful golf season.
It is the first state championship in White County Central School District history.
For the players, coaches, school administrators and Bears supporters, the championship marks a moment that will be remembered for years to come.
The accomplishment also reflects the commitment of the student-athletes who spent the season practicing, competing and working toward the opportunity to win a state title.
Coaches Zach Kersey and Tristen Kersey helped guide the team through its successful district championship run and into the state tournament.
Athletic Director Michael Strother and Superintendent Pharis Smith also celebrated the historic achievement for the district.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WHITE COUNTY CENTRAL BEARS!
The 2026 Arkansas 2A Boys Golf State Championship belongs to the White County Central Bears.
CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM:
Lucas Reynolds
Luke Harrah
Jack Kersey
Mason Landis
COACHES:
Zach Kersey
Tristen Kersey
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR:
Michael Strother
SUPERINTENDENT:
Pharis Smith
2026 ARKANSAS 2A BOYS GOLF STATE CHAMPIONS
WHITE COUNTY CENTRAL BEARS
TEAM SCORE: 253
MARGIN OF VICTORY: 6 STROKES
FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN SCHOOL HISTORY!
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